Penkridge man who once beheaded a sheep had knives and axe in tent

The collection belonging to Luke Lindsey, which included an axe, a stab-proof vest and a mask, was discovered by police checking on his welfare.

The defendant, who was living on the campsite in Penkridge, was arrested when he returned to his tent.

Lindsey, aged 20, of Pillaton Hall Farm, Penkridge was sent to a young offenders' institution for 18 months after admitting a charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Stafford Crown Court heard that in April last year he was sent to detention for 16 weeks by magistrates at Cannock for animal cruelty.

Miss Heather Chamberlin, prosecuting, said the offence involved Lindsey beheading a live sheep using a chainsaw. When the animal appeared not to be dead, he then set fire to it.

In June this year, Lindsey was living in a tent at Pillaton Hall Farm, a popular campsite, usually with at least 300 people on it. In legal terms it is a public place, the court heard.

Police received a call from the defendant's family who were concerned about his well-being and went to check on him on July 27. The knives and the other items were found in the tent.

When questioned, Lindsey said he had bought all of it over the internet. He only used the knives to throw at targets.

Mr Paul Lamb, defending, said: "There is no suggestion from the owner of the camp site that this young man was ever seen with these implements, or seen brandishing them," he said.

Mr Lamb added that drink and drugs had previously affected Lindsey's mental health, but he had now stopped that. "He felt disengaged from society."